Callistemon 'Rose Opal'

Callistemon viminalis 'Rose Opal'

ORIGIN:Callistemon 'Rose Opal' was raised from seed collected
at the Wappa Falls on the South Arm of the Maroochy River by W.G. Trapnell and
K.A.W. Williams in August 1956. The population of C. viminalis in this
area are smaller (ca. 4m) than the more usual form of C. viminaliswhich grows to ca. 5.5m in height. Twenty four seedlings were raised from
the seed and planted on Mr. C. Broadley's property in Oxley, Brisbane. As the
plants matured they varied in height from ca. 2m to ca. 4m. When flowering in
the spring of 1962 some colour variation became apparent. Examination by Mr.
Trapnell led to the selection of one of these seedlings as Callistemon 'Rose
Opal'. Cuttings were taken in 1968 for propagation at the Save the Trees Nursery
at Zillmere, Queensland. The cultivar was first received by the Authority on
30th October 1980. The applicant is Mr. W.G. Trapnell of 22 Bell Street, Kangaroo
Point, 4169

DESCRIPTION: Callistemon 'Rose Opal' is a dwarf and compact
form of C. viminalis growing to 1.5 - 1.8m high by 1m wide. The inflorescence
is rosy red which readily distinguishes the cultivar from the usual coloured
forms of C. viminalis. The inflorescence is 70-80mm long. Flowering is
in spring and autumn.

DIAGNOSIS: This cultivar is distinguished from the other forms ofC. viminalisby its compact habit and flower colour.

OTHER NOTES: The small and compact habit of this cultivar is of great value for smaller gardens. In nearly twenty years of trials it has proved to be stable in colour, form and height. The cultivar is frost tolerant to at least -5?C and is drought hardy once established. Specimens have also been lodged at the Queensland Herbarium (BRI 153960, BRI 279024). This cultivar must be propagated by vegetative means to preserve the cultivar form. The cultivar has been trademarked in Queensland by the Wholesale Ornamental Nurserymen Pty. Ltd. (T.M. A 271198)

COLOUR CODE: R.H.S. Colour Chart 1966.

It is very difficult to obtain a specific colour for this cultivar due to the translucence of the stamens.